Switzerland streamlines construction of large-scale solar plants
Switzerland will implement amendments to its Energy Act on April 1 to shorten planning and permitting for solar, wind and hydropower projects of national interest, while also simplifying grid expansion and appeal procedures.
AlphaESS releases containerized C&I storage system
The Chinese manufacturer said its Aster TB250/TB500 system is compatible with both 40 0V and 800 V PV systems. Parallel connection allows scaling up to 3 MW / 8.46 MWh.
Standardizing smart energy requirements
A systems approach is essential for smart energy standardization, ensuring interoperability, avoiding overlaps, and addressing complex interactions across the grid, appliances, and infrastructures. The IEC System Committee for Smart Energy (SyC SE) applies system-level thinking, using tools like reference architectures and roadmaps to coordinate standards, support innovation, and tackle emerging areas such as EV integration, digital twins, and zero-emission technologies.
JinkoSolar achieves record-breaking 26.66% efficiency for TOPCon solar cell based on M10-size wafer
The Chinese manufacturer claims the new efficiency result sets a world record for industrial-scale TOPCon solar cells on M10-size wafers. The achievement was verified by an undisclosed independent third-party organization in China.
Bolivia creates net metering scheme for medium-voltage distributed generation
A new decree issued by the Bolivian government amends regulations in force since 2021, enabling renewable projects between 1 MW and 6 MW to connect to medium-voltage networks. The provisions also establish a remuneration scheme with a stabilized price for energy injected into the system.
US solar assets lose average $5,070 per MW from power losses
A new report calculates the average power loss of 373 GW of utility-scale and commercial and industrial solar assets in the U.S. at 5.08%, more than double the level five years ago. The power loss average among projects deploying robotics and automation falls to 3%.
Survey finds 85.8% of Canadians support agrivoltaics
Canadian researchers conducted the first nationwide survey on public attitudes toward agrivoltaics, finding strong support across provinces with 85.8% of respondents in favor, although preferences varied by configuration. Opposition mainly stemmed from resistance to change, aesthetic concerns, and lack of awareness, highlighting the need for public education and updated policy frameworks to enable wider adoption.
Australian state backs pumped hydro as long-duration energy storage
The New South Wales government in southeastern Australia has granted priority status to two large-scale pumped hydro projects, providing long-duration energy storage (LDES) to strengthen grid reliability.
Phnix unveils indoor monobloc heat pump for space‑constrained urban retrofits
The Chinese manufacturer said its new airMono indoor monoblock heat pump is tailored for space‑limited urban retrofits, providing heating, cooling, and domestic hot water without an outdoor unit. The system’s coefficient of performance ranges from 2.5 to 4.1, while the seasonal coefficient of performance spans 4.5 to 4.7.
Pakistan blocks retroactive export rate cut in net billing shift
Late amendment put forward to halt sudden retroactive change to export rates for net metering contract holders in Pakistan. It follows strong criticism from local solar industry leaders over sudden change in export rates under new net billing structure.
